Poland Downs Russian Drones, NATO on Alert

Poland said it had shot down several Russian drones that penetrated deep into its airspace overnight, prompting the closure of major airports and an emergency mobilization of NATO defenses. The military confirmed the drones crossed from Ukraine during Moscow’s barrage on Lviv, marking the most serious violation of allied airspace since the war began. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the episode as “an act of aggression” and called an urgent security meeting, underscoring fears that the conflict is edging closer to NATO territory.

Airports Closed, Citizens Warned

Warsaw Chopin, Rzeszów-Jasionka, and other airports were temporarily shut as air defense systems tracked multiple drones. Authorities issued alerts across Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin, advising civilians to remain indoors. Police later recovered drone wreckage in Czosnówka village.

NATO Coordination and Political Response

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed Poland was in “constant contact” with NATO headquarters, while Tusk stressed allied solidarity. NATO officials reiterated their “ironclad” commitment to collective defense under Article 5, though Warsaw has not formally requested activation.

Regional Military Context

The violation coincides with Poland’s large-scale exercises and Russia’s Zapad 2025 drills in Belarus, stoking tensions along NATO’s eastern flank. The Polish army warned the incident highlights the risks of spillover from Russia’s escalating strikes on western Ukraine, where Lviv’s mayor reported fresh explosions.